JOHESU Strike: Only 20% Services Going On At NAUTH — CMD

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Prof Anthony Igwegbe has once more appealed to the striking medical sector workers to call off the action, “…in the interest of the patients and humanity”

Igwegbe who fielded questions from journalists who came to appraise the situation within the referral medical institution late afternoon yesterday sent another heartfelt message to the workers to consider the patients’ plight.

He also gave a new hope on the anticipated relocation of the medical facility to its permanent site within the next 36 months or less, beginning with less challenging Medical and General Outpatients departments.

While the Theater and Life Support Departments that require special handling would move last due to its tasking infrastructures.

According to him, “though our doctors are working, it goes without say that we now operate at about only 20% of our capacity. We take deliveries, some emergencies and skeletal services.

“The effect in terms of our services and income are enormous.

“I therefore urge the Federal Government to come out firm and fair in the on-going negotiation; with what is or isn’t acceptable to her.

“It would then discourage a repeat of this painful situation”.

He noted that under the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan, a committee was set up by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation made up of group of experts and professionals from the sector who worked tirelessly to find lasting solution to the knotty issues and at the end submitted a report.

But that sadly no White Paper had been issued on the panel’s submissions and findings.

It was Prof Igwegbe’s view and belief, as a key operator in the sector that if the White Paper is made public, it would have taken care of most of the lingering issues now in dispute.

Because of the strategic nature of the health sector, he counselled that industrial disputes should be discouraged.

On the planned relocation to its proposed permanent site at Oraifite, Prof Igwegbe said it would come in phases beginning within the next three years.

That not much was done at the site in the last two years because of recession, but expressed optimism that it would pick up again once this year’s budget is passed by the National Assembly.

The Chief Medical Director commended the Vamed Project of the Federal Government which he acknowledged benefitted NAUTH immensely.

He acknowledged being privy to efforts to have a repeat of such initiative under a new approach, taking cognizance of observed pitfalls.

He therefore urged its kick-off soonest.

From Chuks Collins, Awka